Paul is a travel writer, author of the Bradt guidebook to Zimbabwe and is closely involved in promoting tourism to Zimbabwe. Gemma authored several Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guides to Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. Namibia may be a relatively new country, but its got a lot on offer. Its still fairly dry, but an average of 27 millimeters of rain is expected, usually over six days. The country is also home to archaeological sites featuring various animals and human carvings. In contrast, much of the country receives very little precipitation, even in the rainy season. Start Here Africa South Africa The Best & Worst Times to Visit Namibia in 2023, Written by: Author Andrew Helling |Reviewed by: Editorial Team, Posted on Last updated: January 9, 2023 - Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. Which is positioned on the . These cookies do not contain personal information and are not used for analytical or advertising purposes. The Dry season also happens to be the best time for . June marks the start of the wildlife watching season. The jacaranda trees are especially lovely in Windhoek and the northern town of Tsumeb. No. Namibia is super affordable right now; it was rated the #2 best value destination in Lonely Planet's 'Best in Travel 2017'. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, 19 Best Snorkeling Spots in Hawaii in 2023. The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia, our most comprehensive guide to Botswana & Namibia, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less travelled. Animal populations are smaller, but sightings in this sparse setting tend to be rewarding. February is the off-peak season in Namibia. Temperatures are moderately warm, but this begins to fall as the month wears on. The best time to visit Namibia is from July to October, when the temperatures are just above 70F and the chance of rain is low. Gravel roads, especially in the far north and in the Zambezi region, can become difficult to traverse, but otherwise, the rain does not usually interfere with travel. Wildlife viewing in all parks, but especially in Etosha, is best in the Dry season. It will also be very hot. Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia is your passport to all the most relevant and up-to-date advice on what to see, what to skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. This is also the best time to travel to Namibia and Botswana for a combined trip. Tours, Zambia There aren't many places where you can drive for hours on beautiful, open roads without seeing anything other than the occasional oryx. Gravel roads, especially in the far north and in the Zambezi region, can become difficult to traverse, but otherwise, the rain does not usually interfere with travel. Best Time May to October (Best general wildlife viewing) High Season July to October (High-season rates may apply; small exclusive lodges never get busy) Low Season November to June (Low-season rates may apply) Best Weather May to August (Less hot during the day) Worst Weather October (It gets extremely hot) April to October - Dry Season Summer is a busy time for international tourists in Namibia. Emma is an award-winning travel writer for Rough Guides, National Geographic Traveller, Travel Africa magazine and The Independent. The average temperature hovers between a low of 19C and a high of 30C. Best Time to Visit Namibia + 9 Other Namibia Travel Tips They will then contact the lodges and help you by booking your safari. Hotels often offer discounts for kids under the age of 12. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Though it doesnt rain all day or enough to ruin a trip, the rain mainly hits in short segments throughout the day. The Lusata Cultural Festival of the Mafwe people takes place in the Zambezi region near Katima Mulilo, drawing participants from Namibia, Botswana and Zambia for spirited singing and dancing. June marks the start of the wildlife watching season. It attracts around 100,000 visitors each year. The high in Windhoek is around 25C, with only 48% humidity. Humidity can be high, but for much of the country, its fairly low in Windhoek (the capital city), for example, its 41%. Safaris, DR Congo Here are the 10 best places to visit in Namibia, the wild, dramatic, vast and breathtakingly beautiful southwest African tourism hotspot. The predominantly Christian country sees streets lit with festive lights, carols being sung, and busy shops particularly in Windhoek and Walvis Bay. The best time to visit Namibia is between May and October. On the other hand, the Kalahari Desert is incredibly hot temperatures here easily hit 40C. October to February can be unpleasantly hot. The best time to visit Sri Lanka - Lonely Planet Before you plan your visit to Botswana, consult this season-by-season, month-by-month guide to the best times to visit. In fact, it can get pretty chilly and pretty wet too. 10 Incredible Places to Visit in Namibia | The Common Wanderer Reviews, Namibia The skies remain clear even as the temperature rises. Toward the end of the month, the countryside starts to dry out and animals begin moving toward water sources, making late May a good time for wildlife watching. The 12 most auspicious animals held a great race to go. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Excellent Good Fair Poor The best time to visit Tanzania is during the Dry season, from late June to October, when wildlife viewing is generally at its best. During the December and January school holidays, accommodations along the central coast and in Etosha fill up, and advance booking is recommended. Days are sunny but average maximum daytime temperatures are more tolerable 2030 degrees, depending where you are though they plummet at night: at the height of winter (JuneAug) they can drop to between 5 and 10 degrees, even dropping below zero in the desert and more mountainous areas. From Vietnam to Cambodia and Laos you will get the know the locals, visit ancient temples, relax on a cruise, get a taste of Buddhism and so much more. Best time to visit Namibia - Lonely Planet If youre considering visiting Namibia, here are some things you need to know: Here are the most common questions people ask before visiting Namibia: Yes. Tours, Kenya your heart beat faster? Key events: Desert Dash Bicycle Race, Jetty Mile Ocean Swim. In the height of winter, from June to August, nighttime temperatures in the desert and at altitude generally sit below 10C (50F) and sometimes drop below freezing. At night it will be around 45F, but it can drop to below freezing in the desert. With cooler temperatures, July is also one of the best months for hiking in the Fish River Canyon. The humidity is a meager 19%, making it one of the least humid months of the year. The colors will be most vibrant during and after the Wet season. However, depending on your interests, its worth putting some thought into the timing of your trip. April is a delightful month in Namibia, with clear, dust-free skies. The final month of the year is when the rain starts to arrive if it hasnt already done so by the end of November. The rain should have stopped by April and daytime temperatures should drop to around 77F. During March, the Enjando Street Festival, also known as Mbapira, takes place across two days in the center of Windhoek. Established by German immigrants in 1953, the Windhoek Karneval (aka WIKA) is held every year sometime in April. Namibia - Ruth's Lonely Planet 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. With the rains comes excellent birding throughout the country. In September, temperatures are mild, and the wildlife is abundant, so its the perfect season for a safari vacation in Namibia. Late August brings a major gathering of the Red Flag Herero people, who come together to commemorate their slain chiefs in Otjiwarongo, about 250km (155 miles) north of Windhoek. Covering all seven continents, The world your way shows you how you can see the world with us. Okahandja. award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert The heat continues to rise by November and it will be very hot; although humidity is still low. Open a list of all cookies. Rain is highly localized, and generally occurs in the late afternoon as intense thundery showers, so is unlikely to spoil your trip. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Best Time to Visit Namibia by Month | Enchanting Travels Namibias winter is the best time to visit as its the dry season. November is a fine time for wildlife watching and birding, with the heavy rains yet to arrive and a full complement of migratory birds. The best place to spot the black Rhino and Cheetah. Whatever draws you to Namibia, here are the best times to visit. Its rare for travellers to return from Namibia with anything other than glowing praise. Visit the town of Swakopmund: The town of Swakopmund is a past colony of Germany. The weather is almost always good the countrys sunshine and cloudless blue skies are even highlighted on the national flag and most attractions are accessible year-round. Before you plan your visit to Botswana, consult this season-by-season, month-by-month guide to the best times to visit. On average, daytime temperatures are above 86F. The high-season travel month of August is marked by warm and sometimes windy days, chilly nights and dust-filled skies, but wildlife watching remains excellent. High season in December to April is the best time to hit the beach. Birding is also rewarding, with a multitude of migrant species. Near the southern town of Maltahhe, thousands of white and pink lilies bloom in February or early March, following the heavy rains. Elsewhere in Etosha National Park, its 30C, while Walvis Bay is 18C. to $2,368 pp (USD), Namibia: Tours, Namibia Inland from the coast, daytime temperatures average between 19C and 24C (66F to 75F). In Omaruru in central Namibia, the White Flag Herero people commemorate their slain chiefs. December sees rainfall of 60 millimeters in the Kalahari, but this can be an excellent time of year for catching sight of wildlife too, especially if youre into bird watching. Skies clear up, and landscapes are green and vibrant. A German import, the Oktoberfest draws an international crowd, complete with beer-swilling, games, Lederhosen, Dimdl dresses and oompah bands. Happy travels! This is also when the water levels in the Okavango Delta are at their highest, creating the waterways and channels Botswana is famed for. Yes! Safaris, Tanzania The rainfall rarely causes problems with travel, except on rural roads in northern Namibia. Georgie, Botswana, Namibia & Canada Specialist. The Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park are Botswana's most popular parks. Daytime temperatures are pleasant however, with blue skies and temperatures in the 70Fs. Best Time To Visit Tanzania (Month by Month) - SafariBookings Best for festivals and outdoor events The warm, dry weather and festivals draw in tourists from all over the country. Again, theres no rainfall anywhere. However its not torrential downpours, but quick and short storms so it liklely wont affect your trip too much. The cold season in Namibia ends around October. Without the punishing temperatures experienced at the height of summer (the northern hemispheres winter, of course), its the ideal climate for exploring what the country offers. January is typically mid-summer, with most of Namibia experiencing high temperatures and certain regions enjoying frequent afternoon rains. Key events: Mafwe Lusata Cultural Festival. Temperatures during the day can reach 84F and it gets even hotter in the desert. There may be torrential downpours in the afternoon, but not every day. Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the 'Botswana & Namibia' guide. to 3.025 pp (EUR), Namibia: If planning a trip to Namibia, try to go in July. Here's what you need to know about getting a visa. With its famously dry skies, Namibia is a wonderful destination at any time of year. partners) to personalize our advertising campaigns and to allow you to share on social media. Late August brings a major gathering of the Red Flag Herero people, who come together to commemorate their slain chiefs in Otjiwarongo, about 250km (155 miles) north of Windhoek. Inland from the coast, daytime temperatures average between 19C and 24C (66F to 75F). Theft, fraud, and mugging are the primary crimes here. In the winter (May to October), this means barely any rain and afternoon temperatures that usually stay below 28C/82F. 2.753 Consult your doctor if its viable to take malaria tablets days before visiting Namibia. April and May are lovely times to be in Namibia, and the air is exceptionally clear. Although the summer months are the wettest time of the year in Namibia, downpours are mostly limited to late afternoons and evenings. Although the summer months are the wettest time of the year in Namibia, downpours are mostly limited to late afternoons and evenings. In Windhoek, temperatures average between lows of 16C and highs of 29.5C. The best places to celebrate Oktoberfest are Windhoek and Swakopmund. So long as you book ahead for accommodations in popular areas, December can be a delightful time to travel in Namibia. Safaris, Mozambique Held across the weekend closest to August 26, its one of the biggest festivals in Namibia and a great time to see traditional outfits, as the people of Okahandja commemorate important chiefs killed in past wars. Planning to travel here? Its not officially winter in Namibia by the time Christmas rolls around, but its still very much celebrated in this African nation. Elsewhere, rains bring some relief from the heat, and birding is at its best. The country boasts unique attractions and incredible desert landscapes. The high-season travel month of August is marked by warm and sometimes windy days, chilly nights and dust-filled skies, but wildlife watching remains excellent. September is the last month of winter in Namibia. Thus, its essential to make lodging reservations early. During October the green vegetation is fading and the heat gradually builds up. Experience Budapest - Lonely Planet | Hungary, Europe Safaris & Tours, Botswana Safaris, Wildlife congregates around rivers and waterholes, making animals easier to spot it is the best time to visit Etosha, There are no clouds, it's sunny, and there is virtually no rain, Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still don't feel crowded, except for Etosha, It gets cold at night and in the mornings it's advisable to pack warm winter clothing during June, July and August for the cold morning game drives, After the rains, the scenery is greener and the rates are lower, because it's low season, This is the time of the year you can see newborn animals migratory birds are present, and birding is at its best, Rains are mostly short showers in the afternoon and rarely have a negative impact on your trip, It gets very hot from October to February, It's more difficult to spot animals this is especially true for Etosha. Here are the best hikes through Namibia's rugged landscapes. enjoy the ultimate safari at Moremi Winter is the best time for hiking, but you can find adventures in Namibia at any time of year Anastasiia Shavshyna / Getty Images, The best times to visit Namibia for hiking, wildlife and more. Safaris, Tanzania Theres still no precipitation of any kind, and 321 hours of sunshine to soak up, but temperatures are rising. This is the largest arts festival held in Namibia, and it runs all the way from February through to September. Lucy is travel writer for a range of publications, including Lonely Planet's guides to Africa, Southern Africa and South Africa. This generally starts in May and is best between July and October. Make decisions like a pro by using our 84,841 reviews and 216 destination guides. The months highlight is the wild blooms that give the terrain a lovely floral carpet. The path before us wound through anarid canyon and came up to, A Namibian Road Trip: Our Itinerary Across the Namib Desert, 15 Namibia Travel Tips to Know Before You Go, The Ideal Northern Namibia Road Trip Route, The Perfect Southern Namibia Drive Itinerary, Namibia Photography: Exploring the Countrys Natural Beauty, Experiencing Wolwedans Dunes Lodge and More in Namibia, When is the Best Time to Visit Japan? Click are the best times to visit for hiking, wildlife and more. A few sandstorms may hit the shore quickly, but the weather is pleasant. In Omaruru in central Namibia, the White Flag Herero people commemorate their slain chiefs. Want to connect with fellow travel enthusiasts to get inspiration and discuss money-saving tips for your next trip? Accommodation prices remain high, but spaces are slightly easier to come by. SafariBookings is the largest online marketplace for African safari tours. Temperatures start to soar as the country really begins to heat up. Experts on staff can also provide suggestions and arrange the little details like a travel agent. Ask the flight company if they have discounts or use coupon codes to minimize flight costs. The maximum temperature is around 70-77F. Welcome to the world, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. Lonely Planet's top tips for getting around in Namibia. Go tailor-made! But the desert climate is harsh. If we link to any product, you should assume that we'll receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. The climate is generally dry and pleasant. All rights reserved. With its famously dry skies, Namibia is a wonderful destination at any time of year. This Namibia self-drive itinerary uncovers the best of Namibia, from the mystic ghost town of Kolmanskop, exploring the mighty dunes of Sossusvlei, going on a self-drive safari in Etosha National Park, and all between. The peak tourist season in Namibia is in winter June to September which coincides with the dry season: there is virtually no rain and no cloud, so youll witness stunning night skies. Traditionally if you wanted to book a safari, youd have to go to a travel agent and have them book your safari for you. Except for the Easter holiday week, the campsites arent very busy, so you can expect to land a good deal. These Are the Top 10 Cheap Places to Travel in 2023, The Best Time to Visit Tel Aviv in 2023 | When to Go, The Best & Worst Times to Visit The Hamptons in 2023, Where to Stay in Paros in 2023 | Best Areas & Hotels, The Best & Worst Times to Visit Zurich in 2023, 10 Incredible Places to Go for Your Birthday in 2023. The harsh environment forms a magnificent backdrop for a different kind of safari. Daytime temperatures in the desert are comfortable and warm on nights, making it an excellent time for animal viewing and outdoor activities. Showers can, therefore, be easily avoided. Things to do and see. May is a great time to travel to Namibia. Jul 24, 2022 7 Min read. Get to the heart of Namibia with one of our in-depth, The countryside is more scenic at this time; animals are breeding; and the birdlife is at its best, with many migrants present. The Centers for Disease Controladvises that visitors to some regions of Namibia carry malaria medication. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. Accordingly, safari camps fill up in Etosha National Park. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Temperatures are warmer, and wildlife watching and birding are both rewarding. You can find all your favorites in the menu, Speak to a certified Namibia specialist to start planning your, Birdwatching in the Caprivi Strip (November to February): The Caprivi Strip is at its best during the summer months, when there are fantastic birdwatching opportunities, with more than 450 species, Flamingos gather (November to February): The summer months are the best time to see a flamboyance of flamingos, where they gather on lagoons in their thousands in, Inspiration across all our African destinations. January is holiday time for Namibians. The weather is beautiful you can expect cool, bright, sunny days, providing prime conditions for enjoying the countrys natural habitat. Consider keeping your valuables somewhere other than on the seats. Covering 825,418 sq km (318,695 sq miles), the country is one and a half times . Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Excellent Good What is the Best Time to Visit Namibia? Botswana & namibia travel guide pdf - Canadian Guidelines Step-by-step It signals the start of Namibias very dry season. The weather in April is perfect, and the air is clear. Junes moderate daytime temperatures also make this an ideal month for visiting the desert landscapes of Namib-Naukluft Park and other destinations in southern Namibia. Copyright 2023 SafariBookings. Call one of our experts or arrange a video appointment for ideas and advice. The months are ideal for wildlife viewing, making it the busiest time for tourists. Toward the end of the month, the countryside starts to dry out and animals begin moving toward water sources, making late May a good time for wildlife watching. Safaris, Rwanda In Etosha National Park, wildlife is widely dispersed and can be difficult to spot in the wet season. Most people prefer spending time relaxing in quiet outlying areas. SafariBookings is the largest online marketplace for African safari tours. Reserving in advance will allow you to save even more money. From the arid south to the Okavango Delta, Botswana is a joy to explore. Botswana is one of Africas most stunning safari destinations, famed for its high-end, low-impact tourism model, vast fence-free national parks and. Daytime temperatures can reach 85 degrees Fahrenheit in November when the country awaits rainfall. Now that the country is transitioning into its fall season, visitors can expect cooler temperatures and drier days. In the height of winter, from June to August, nighttime temperatures in the desert and at altitude generally sit below 10C (50F) and sometimes drop below freezing. You should ask a qualified medical practitioner to assess and determine if you require post-exposure rabies prophylaxis. The dunes of Sossusvlei are stunning right now, with bright red sand contrasted against clear blue skies. Here's everything you need to know about getting a tourist visa to travel to Namibia. January is holiday time for Namibians. Relatively brief sandstorms can occur along the coast, but weather conditions are good overall. Safaris, Madagascar But the rest of the month is considered low season. The rains come with fantastic birding opportunities around the country. The best time to visit Namibia is in the Dry season from June to October, although it can be visited throughout the year. Countries around the world are welcoming tourists but Americans aren't at the front of the line for several nations with restrictions on US travelers.

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